The Modern Otter | Descendant of Thieves

When I think about 'Fall in the desert', I keep envisioning Milla Jovavich in that Resident Evil movie set in post-apocalyptic Nevada. She's wearing a combination of tactical gear, a near-sheer henley, a jumpsuit, goggles, scarf, garters, gun belt... the works. All of the soldiers around her are in similar, desert inspired garb and it just makes me want to jump in there a join the gang! Sans the zombies, of course.

I was a costume designer for a few years during and after college, so I have a great appreciation for the details that go into a look like that. They used traditional clothing you can find anywhere, but the accessories and layering is what takes it to the next level.

When I saw this poncho from Descendant of Thieves, I knew I wanted to put something together that would be equally striking, but not costume-y. So here we are! I'm either ready for a sand storm, a zombie apocalypse or I'm just on my way to brunch! ;)

This poncho also made me think of one of my favorite statues in London. It's a WW1 memorial for the Royal Artillery. It shows several soldiers with a poncho, each one using/wearing it in a different way. The driver has it draped over his shoulders, the Captain is holding his, another soldier is using it to waterproof his backpack and the last statue is a fallen soldier with it laid over him like a burial shroud. It's incredibly striking and sad and beautiful.

Descendant of Thieves actually based their design on this same concept. Soldiers used ponchos in 42+ different ways during the War, so why not use it to finish off a killer look in 2017?